Independence Day

This year Shangri La Ranch is hosting Swim Camp for our local communities July 9, 10, 11 and July 16, 17 and 18.  We ask that ALL residents please be clothed during the hours of 9am-1:30pm on the dates listed above. 

Although we already have "in pool" instructors, if you'd like to volunteer, we can always use extra eyes around the pool, so please speak to Jeff or Cyndi for further details. Thanks everyone!

Shangri La Ranch Welcomes AANR Conventions in August!

Get ready for an exhilarating August at Shangri La Ranch! We’re thrilled to host not one, but two exciting AANR conventions:

1. AANR West Convention (August 9th to 11th): Join us for camaraderie, learning, and unforgettable moments during the AANR West convention. Whether you’re a seasoned regular or a first-time visitor, this event promises to be educational, full of excitement, and LOTS of fun.

2. NATIONAL AANR Convention (August 12th to 18th): Shangri La is honored to welcome naturists from across the nation for this prestigious convention. Dive into a whirlwind of activities, educational sessions, and bonding experiences. If you share our passion for nudism, you will not want to miss any of this important event!

Reserve Your Spot: Call us today to secure your spot at these remarkable conventions. Let’s make this August the best you've ever had!

The annual membership meeting, for all members in good standing will be held in the clubhouse on Sunday, July 14th from 8-9am.  Please plan to attend for important announcements and information!

International Skinny Dip Day is right around the corner!  July 13, 2024 has been designated this year, for naturists world wide to celebrate nudism by skinny dipping. We hope you'll plan to join in the fun at Shangri La Ranch as we all enjoy the freedom to go for a dip in one of our beautiful pools au naturale!

Let's go over a few things that we all get busy and forget!

• You are responsible for the appearance of your site - that includes but is not limited to the WEEDS, trees, shrubs (yes, you'll have to pull weeds) - if you are physically unable to take care of your own space please contact the office and arrangements may be made, for a fee
• Absolutely no wipes are ever to be flushing into our septic system
• With summer season, we are happy to host more people who've never been to a clothing optional place before! Let's all welcome them, and remind them of basic rules when they've been overlooked.  Suggestive behavior will never be tolerated - see something - say something!  Management will assist!
• Do not reserve chairs at the pool, towels left unattended for more than 30 minutes will be removed; this will be enforced, especially on holiday weekends.
• You are responsible for your pet and your pet's waste.  When walking your pet, you must have your pet on a leash (no exceptions!), and you must pick up and dispose of your pet's waste.
• Chairs and tables are not permitted to be saved for karaoke or the dance, before 7pm on Friday and Saturday, as they are needed for dinner service with the cafe. Also towels or tables that are left unattended for 30 minutes will be removed and the space will be available for others.
• The air conditioning is on in the clubhouse, please do not prop open any of the doors as this will cause them to work harder and result in earlier breakdowns, maintenance, and possibly cause them not to work at all.
• Shangri La ranch has a posted 5 MPH speed limit. With all the guests & residents walking, dogs walking, and wildlife with in our boundries, please respect our speed limit of 5 MPH.

It’s summertime — time for keeping cool by the pool.  The swimming pool area is a great place to catch some rays, work on that all-over tan whilst socialising with friends and visitors.  We want to keep the deck clean, the water safe and the atmosphere welcoming.

Have you ever noticed there are blue recycling bins dotted around the fenced-in space yet no trash cans?  There’s a reason for their absence: no “trash-able” items are to be brought onto the pool deck.  That includes food, household rubbish, unwanted pool toys, cigarette butts and more interesting items which somehow find their way into the area.

Food inside the fences is strictly verboten according to local ordinances.  A couple weeks ago, a discarded pb&j sandwich was on the ground and the ants had a feast!  It took three days to break up the party.  An old Chick-fil-A bag was found one Sunday evening — still trying to figure out how that happens.  Even with signs posted at each gate and on Millennium Hall reminding us not to bring lunch to the pool, the problem persists.

Beverages cannot be in glass bottles or any breakable container; and if something spills, please clean it!  The maintenance crew is making a concerted effort to minimise stains and sticky spots on the deck, and your assistance is greatly appreciated.  Also, remember to take your containers to the recycling bin or back with you when you leave; no one wants to drink from that beer or soda can left under a chaise-longue — well, may the bugs will!

Pool toys are a menace when they are left floating on the water or in the pathways.  The wind loves to throw them around and they become a trip hazard.  If you bring a float or noodles, and are finished with them, please take them back to your place; we cannot guarantee they will still be waiting for you poolside tomorrow.

Shangri La Ranch will be hosting a number of holidays and events in the coming months, including Independence Day weekend, International Skinny Dip Day, the AANR Western Regional Convention & Assembly, followed by the AANR General Meeting & Convention.  We expect a lot of visitors at the Ranch so let’s welcome them to a clean and safe environment.  Set a good example and gently remind those who may be unaware of these guidelines.

Health and safety are our priorities.  The hot tub and sauna have the same rules as the pool area.  We will save the chat about those who stay in the water for hours drinking a twelve-pack for another time!

Let’s dive into lightning safety during the summer and stormier months. Lightning is a fascinating yet potentially dangerous natural phenomenon. Here are some additional tips to help you stay safe as storm season approaches us:

1. Understanding Lightning:

   • Lightning occurs due to the buildup of electrical charge within thunderstorms. When the difference in charge between the ground and the atmosphere becomes significant, a lightning discharge occurs.
   • There are different types of lightning, including cloud-to-ground (the most common), cloud-to-cloud, and intra-cloud discharges.

2. Safety Measures:

   • Indoor Safety: When thunderstorms approach, seek shelter indoors. Stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Avoid using corded phones during storms.
   • Outdoor Safety: If you’re caught outdoors during a storm, follow these guidelines:
     • Avoid Open Fields: Don’t be the tallest object in an open area. Seek shelter in a building or a hardtop vehicle.
     • Stay Away from Water: Lightning can strike water surfaces, so avoid swimming, boating, or standing in water.
     • Avoid Isolated Trees: Tall trees are lightning targets. Stay away from them.
     • Crouch Low if No Shelter: If no shelter is available, crouch down with your feet together, minimizing contact with the ground. Do not lie flat.
   • 30-30 Rule: Count the seconds between a lightning flash and the corresponding thunder. If it’s less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

3. Lightning Myths Debunked:

   • Rubber Tires: Contrary to popular belief, rubber tires do not protect you from lightning. It’s the metal frame of a vehicle that provides safety.
   • Lightning Never Strikes Twice: Lightning can indeed strike the same location multiple times.

4. Statistics and Risks:

   • The U.S. experiences around 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes each year.
   • Lightning causes fatalities and injuries, as well as damage to structures and fires.

Remember, staying informed and following safety guidelines can significantly reduce the risks associated with lightning. Enjoy your summer while keeping safety a priority! 

The Barrel Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae, or cactus family. Barrel cacti grow into a squat tubular shape, giving it the appearance of a very spiky ribbed barrel.As one would expect of such an iconic emblem of the desert southwest, these plants grow mainly in the desert, in sandy or rocky soils with little water and lots of sun. Cactus plants without fail yield beautiful flowers. The flowers appear in a ring near the top of the tube. The petals of each flower are many, and unlike the flowers of other cacti, do not really form a tube. Between the petals and the numerous stamens is a ring of hairs. The plants themselves are like thick tubes, with ridges going down the sides. They are covered with large and small spines. The larger spines keep away thirsty desert creatures, and the smaller spines help prevent water loss and scorching by reflecting away some of the intense desert sunlight. Almost unbelievably, people use these plants. They are fairly well known as an emergency source of water in the desert, although experimentation will discourage this practice. Keep in mind that it is for emergencies. The flowers of the plant were collected and eaten dry or fresh, and the tiny black seeds were ground and eaten as well. From the spines, fishing hooks can be made. The tunas may be eaten and some Native Americans used this plant for candy.

Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/ferocactus_sp.shtml